Question
What can I do about the rash around my 13-month-old's nostrils?
Answer
This could be any of several different types of rashes, including seborrheic dermatitis or impetigo. Seborrheic dermatitis causes redness with "greasy" yellow scaling. Common sites include the creases outside the nostrils, the scalp, and the eyebrows. Hydrocortisone cream (1 percent, over-the-counter strength), applied two times per day is usually helpful. Impetigo, on the other hand, is a bacterial skin infection that produces small red bumps, blisters, and "honey-colored" crusting. The areas around the nostrils are a common site for this rash, and treatment requires antibiotics given by your doctor. Any rash that persists for this long should be evaluated by your son's pediatrician, who can give you the diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.